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Gravitational waves will settle cosmic conundrum

Measurements of gravitational waves from binary neutron stars will definitively resolve the debate on the universe's expansion rate. By observing 50 binary neutron stars over the next decade, scientists can calculate the Hubble constant accurately, resolving the conflict between conflicting measurements.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

Historian tells new story about England's venerated 'Domesday book'

A historian challenges the traditional view of the Domesday Book, a famous document created by William the Conqueror in 11th-century England. New research suggests that the final version of the book was compiled years after its initial publication, and that it was not the top-down, orderly bureaucratic enterprise previously thought to ...

Scientists refine the search for dark matter

Researchers from Lund University have developed a more effective technique to search for dark matter in the universe. By analyzing larger amounts of data generated at CERN, they hope to find signs of new particles that could connect visible and dark matter.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 29, 2018

Supermassive black holes and supercomputers

Researchers used supercomputers to simulate early universe, revealing formation of first stars and galaxies. Metal-enriched gas enabled rapid star formation, leading to smaller, more numerous stars and galaxy evolution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·DateOct 17, 2018

Possible death of the universe scenario proposed

A new theory suggests that a dynamical system singularity may not be a physical reality, allowing the universe to evolve infinitely. The study, published in Physical Review D, proposes an alternate gravity model that includes quadratic scalar invariants and corresponds with Alexei Starobinsky's inflational theory.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 25, 2018

Centenary of cosmological constant lambda

The cosmological constant was first introduced by Einstein in 1917 to make the static universe model work. However, after the discovery of cosmic expansion, it became marginalized until recent observations and experiments revived its relevance as a key component of dark energy theory.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateJul 11, 2018

The McMaster recipe for star clusters

Researchers Corey Howard, Ralph Pudritz and William Harris use supercomputer simulations to re-create star cluster formation. The study shows that massive star clusters are the natural outcome of large gas collections, and can be used to reverse-engineer galaxy conditions.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 25, 2018

Fast radio burst source linked to 'extreme' environment

Astrophysicists have discovered that the only known repeating fast radio burst (FRB) source is in an extreme environment, with measurements suggesting it may be caused by a black hole or other extreme astrophysical circumstances. The new findings raise questions about whether FRBs are a product of their environment.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Life on the ice

Researchers directly observed microbial activity in Antarctic and Arctic snow, revealing metabolically active bacteria that remain active in compressed ice. This discovery could lower estimated CO2 levels before human impact, expanding the search for habitable planets.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 20, 2017